US11923604B2 - Rotating multi-beam antenna - Google Patents
Rotating multi-beam antenna Download PDFInfo
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- US11923604B2 US11923604B2 US17/339,845 US202117339845A US11923604B2 US 11923604 B2 US11923604 B2 US 11923604B2 US 202117339845 A US202117339845 A US 202117339845A US 11923604 B2 US11923604 B2 US 11923604B2
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Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
- H01Q1/28—Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
- H01Q1/281—Nose antennas
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
- F41G7/00—Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
- F41G7/20—Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles based on continuous observation of target position
- F41G7/22—Homing guidance systems
- F41G7/2246—Active homing systems, i.e. comprising both a transmitter and a receiver
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
- F41G7/00—Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
- F41G7/20—Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles based on continuous observation of target position
- F41G7/22—Homing guidance systems
- F41G7/2273—Homing guidance systems characterised by the type of waves
- F41G7/2286—Homing guidance systems characterised by the type of waves using radio waves
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/02—Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
- G01S13/06—Systems determining position data of a target
- G01S13/42—Simultaneous measurement of distance and other co-ordinates
- G01S13/426—Scanning radar, e.g. 3D radar
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/02—Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
- G01S13/50—Systems of measurement based on relative movement of target
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/883—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for missile homing, autodirectors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
- H01Q3/02—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
- H01Q3/08—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
- H01Q3/10—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation to produce a conical or spiral scan
Definitions
- Radar scanning systems are used for a variety of reasons. For example, airports can be equipped with sophisticated radar scanning systems so as to accurately map air traffic to and from the airport.
- Various military applications include airplanes, ships, missiles, etc. Such military purposes can include detection of enemy vehicles, identifying drones, location determination of ground structures, collision avoidance, guidance of vehicles, etc.
- Various commercial applications include object detection for cars equipped with automatic navigations technology.
- Traditional radar scanning systems can be complex, large, heavy, and/or costly. It would be advantageous to develop a relatively elegant, small, light, and/or relatively low-cost radar scanning system.
- Apparatus and associated methods relate to a system for radar-scanning a field of view.
- the system includes a signal generator, a plurality of antennas, and an image processor.
- the signal generator generates electromagnetic signals.
- the plurality of antennas is radially distributed about a rotatable turret.
- Each of the plurality of antennas is electrically connected to the signal generator so as to receive an electromagnetic signal that causes the antenna to direct an electromagnetic beam along a principal direction characterized by a rotational position ⁇ to which the antenna is rotated by the rotatable turret and an azimuthal beam angle ⁇ with respect to a rotational axis of the rotatable turret.
- the azimuthal beam angles of the plurality of antennas are different from one another.
- Each of the plurality of antennas senses a reflected portion of the electromagnetic beam reflected from objects within the field of view upon to which the electromagnetic beam has been directed.
- the principal directions sweep conical figures about the rotational axis. At least a portion of the conical figures intersect the field of view.
- the image processor determines, based on the reflected portions of the electromagnetic beams sensed by the plurality of antennas, directions and/or ranges to and/or velocities of the objects within the field of view.
- Some embodiments relate to a system for radar-scanning a ground-surface field of view.
- the system includes a signal generator, a plurality of antennas and an image processor.
- the signal generator generates electromagnetic signals.
- the plurality of antennas are radially distributed about a nose-cone of a missile.
- Each of the plurality of antennas is electrically connected to the signal generator so as to receive an electromagnetic signal that causes the antenna to direct an electromagnetic beam along a principal direction characterized by a roll orientation ⁇ to which the antenna is rotated by the missile and an azimuthal beam angle ⁇ with respect to a roll axis of the missile.
- the azimuthal beam angles of the plurality of antennas are different from one another.
- Each of the plurality of antennas senses a reflected portion of the electromagnetic beam reflected from objects within the ground-surface field of view upon to which the electromagnetic beam has been directed.
- the principal directions sweep conical figures about the roll axis. At least a portion of the conical figures intersect the ground-surface field of view.
- the image processor determines, based on the reflected portions of the electromagnetic beams sensed by the plurality of antennas, directions and/or ranges to and/or velocities of the objects within the ground-surface field of view.
- a further embodiment of the foregoing method for radar-scanning a field of view includes generating, via a signal generator, electromagnetic signals.
- the method includes receiving, via a plurality of antennas radially distributed about a rotatable turret, the electromagnetic signals generated by the signal generator.
- the method includes rotating the rotatable turret about a rotational axis.
- the method includes directing, via each of the plurality of antennas, an electromagnetic beam along a principal direction characterized by a rotational position ⁇ to which the antenna is rotated by the rotatable turret and an azimuthal beam angle ⁇ with respect to a rotational axis of the rotatable turret.
- the azimuthal beam angles of the plurality of antennas are different from one another.
- the principal directions sweep conical figures about the rotational axis. At least a portion of the conical figures intersect the field of view.
- the method includes sensing, via each of the plurality of antennas, a reflected portion of the electromagnetic beam reflected from objects within the field of view upon to which the electromagnetic beam has been directed.
- the method also includes determining, via an image processor and based on the reflected portions of the electromagnetic beams sensed by the plurality of antennas, directions and/or ranges to and/or velocities of the objects within the field of view.
- FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a missile equipped with a rotating multi-beam antenna scanning a ground-surface field of view.
- FIG. 1 B is a depiction of radially distributed antennas and the azimuthal beam angles of their projected electromagnetic beams.
- FIG. 2 is a two-dimensional image of a plan view of the ground-surface field of view scanned by the rotating multi-beam antenna.
- FIG. 3 is a graph depicting detection range vs. azimuthal resolution (number of antennas) tradeoff.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a system for scanning an airspace field of view.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for radar-scanning a field of view.
- FIG. 6 is a graph depicting sequenced enablement of a plurality of antennas used to scan a field of view.
- Apparatus and associated methods relate to using a plurality of antennas radially distributed about a rotatable turret to sequentially scan a field of view.
- Each of the plurality of antennas directs an electromagnetic beam and senses its reflection along a principal direction characterized by a rotational position ⁇ of the rotatable turret and an azimuthal beam angle ⁇ with respect to a rotational axis of the rotatable turret.
- the principal direction of each of the antennas having a different azimuthal beam angle (e.g., ⁇ A ) from the azimuthal beam angles (e.g., ⁇ B - ⁇ G ) of the other antennas.
- each of these antennas sequentially turned on and turn off, respectively, as they are rotated to such rotational positions.
- This enables the electromagnetic beams directed by the antennas to pan a scene both in azimuth (e.g., for all azimuthal beam angles ⁇ A - ⁇ G ) and rotational positions (e.g., for all rotational positions ⁇ : ⁇ 1 ⁇ 2 ).
- An image processor determines, based on the reflected electromagnetic signals detected by the plurality of antennas, directions to and/or velocities of objects within the scanned field of view.
- FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a missile equipped with a rotating multi-beam antenna scanning a ground-surface field of view.
- missile 10 is flying overhead of ground-surface field of view 12 , in which target 14 operates and building 15 resides.
- Missile 10 is equipped with radar scanning system 16 .
- Radar scanning system 16 includes antennas 18 A- 18 G (only 18 A- 18 C visible in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B ) radially distributed about nose-cone 20 of missile 10 .
- Nose-cone 20 is configured to rotate about roll axis 22 (i.e., rotational axis) of nose-cone 20 and missile 10 .
- Each of the antennas 18 A- 18 G (which are several) produces a single beam (which is fixed by the antenna design) at an azimuthal beam angle ⁇ A - ⁇ G , respectively, relative to the roll axis 22 of the missile 10 .
- nose-cone 20 rotates with respect to a non-rotating missile, and in other embodiments, nose-cone 20 and the missile rotate together.
- FIG. 1 B is a depiction of radially distributed antennas and the azimuthal beam angles of their projected electromagnetic beams.
- Each of antennas 18 A- 18 G is configured to direct a corresponding one of electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G (only 24 A- 24 C visible in FIG. 1 A ), respectively, outward from missile 10 .
- Each of antennas 18 A- 18 G is also configured to detect corresponding electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G, respectively, if reflected from objects that intersect their projected beam paths.
- Such a missile system as described with reference to FIG. 1 A , is a monostatic radar system. As shown in FIG.
- electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G are directed along principal directions that make azimuthal beam angles ⁇ A - ⁇ G with roll axis 22 , respectively.
- Each of azimuthal beam angles ⁇ A - ⁇ G (only ⁇ A - ⁇ C visible in FIG. 1 B ) corresponding to antennas 18 A- 18 G, respectively, is different from the other azimuthal beam angles ⁇ A - ⁇ G corresponding to others of antennas 18 A- 18 G, respectively.
- ⁇ A ⁇ B ⁇ C ⁇ D ⁇ E ⁇ F ⁇ G .
- Each of antennas 18 A- 18 G has a fixed principal direction 26 A- 26 G (only 26 A- 26 C visible in FIG. 1 A ), respectively.
- antennas 18 A- 18 G sequentially direct electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G along principal directions that sweep conical figures (or conical spiral figures if missile 10 is moving) 26 A- 26 G, respectively, about roll axis 22 .
- radar scanning system 16 is “looking” at one conical slice of the field of view at any given point in time.
- conical figures includes conical spiral figures, which can be scanned during missile flight.
- Each of these sweeping conical FIGS. 26 A- 26 G intercepts ground-surface field of view 12 along a corresponding one of paths 28 A- 28 G (only 28 A- 28 C visible in FIG.
- Paths 28 A- 28 G represent the paths of the centers of electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G as they intercept ground-surface field of view 12 .
- electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G have a non-zero beam width, resulting in a band of detection about paths 28 A- 28 G.
- the image processor can construct a two-dimensional image of ground-surface field of view 12 based on electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G reflected thereby and sensed by antennas 18 A- 18 G, respectively. Although each antennas 18 A- 18 G has such a fixed principal direction, the combination of different principal directions permits such two-dimensional imaging of ground-surface field of view 12 .
- the image processor can be further configured to determine, based on the electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G reflected by objects in the ground-surface field of view 12 and then received by antennas 18 A- 18 G, directions and/or ranges to objects within the ground-surface field of view 12 , such as, for example, target 14 and building 15 .
- Directions to objects can be determined, based on which of electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G was directed toward the object, and at what roll angle ⁇ (i.e., rotational angle or position) was the electromagnetic beam directed at the time of detection.
- Range of objects can be determined based on an out-and-back time of flight measured for the particular electromagnetic beam 24 A- 24 G that was directed thereto.
- Object velocity can also be determined by the frequency shift (also known as the Doppler shift) of the reflected electromagnetic signal 24 A- 24 G.
- antennas 18 A- 18 G can be patch antennas.
- antennas 18 A- 18 G can be slotted waveguides.
- radar scanning system 16 can further include a sequencer that sequentially activates each of the plurality of antennas 18 A- 18 G in sequence as the principal directions of the plurality of antenna are oriented so as to scan the ground-surface field of view.
- only one antenna is turned on at any given point in time.
- Each antenna is sequentially turned on at a specific roll position or roll orientation ⁇ 1 (i.e., rotational position) of missile 10 and again turned off at another specific roll position ⁇ 2 .
- ⁇ 1 i.e., rotational position
- ⁇ 2 a specific roll position or roll orientation of missile 10
- antennas 18 A- 18 G at different specific roll axes, data can be collected across a broad scene, thereby generating a radar “image” of the terrain below missile 10 . Additional image data is added to the image as each scan of the field of view is processed.
- FIG. 2 is a two-dimensional image of a plan view of the ground-surface field of view scanned by the rotating multi-beam antenna.
- two-dimensional image 30 depicts ground-surface field of view 12 depicted in FIG. 1 A , as generated by the image processor.
- Target 14 ′ and building 15 ′ in FIG. 2 are imagery generated of target 14 and building 15 depicted in FIG. 1 A .
- Two-dimensional image 30 is constructed by assembling image data obtained from reflected electromagnetic signal 24 A- 24 G, which have paths of their centers as indicated in the dotted lines 32 A- 32 G.
- the reflected electromagnetic signals are processed by the image processor as swaths of image data about such paths as indicated in these dotted lines 32 A- 32 G.
- dotted lines 32 A- 32 G indicate centers of the intersection of ground-surface field of view 12 and electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G, respectively, as they are rotationally activated during rotation of missile 10 .
- image 30 includes solid lines of image data 34 A- 34 G. These solid lines indicate the centers of the intersection of ground-surface field of view 12 and electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G, respectively, as they are rotationally activated during the next rotation of missile 10 after the rotation corresponding to dotted lines 32 A- 32 G.
- each rotation of missile 10 can generate additional image data depicting additional portions of ground-surface field of view 12 .
- the image processor determines where each of lines of image data 32 A- 32 G and 34 A- 34 G are to be depicted within two-dimensional image 30 based on which of antennas 24 A- 24 G obtained data pertaining thereto and further based on flight data (e.g., position data, attitude data, etc.) of missile 10 .
- Left-hand boundary of image 30 is defined by the rotational angle ⁇ 1 at which location each of antennas 18 A- 18 F are enabled, and right-hand boundary of image 30 is defined by the rotational angle ⁇ 2 at which location each of antennas 18 A- 18 F are disabled
- FIG. 3 is a graph depicting detection range vs. azimuthal resolution (number of antennas) tradeoff.
- Various embodiments of radar scanning system 16 can include more or fewer antennas than the seven depicted in FIG. 1 (of which only three can be seen in the perspective of the drawing). Increasing the number of antennas can improve the spatial imaging resolution of the two-dimensional image in the azimuthal direction. As nose-cone 20 is equipped with more antennas, however, the size of each of these antennas necessarily must decrease, because surface area of nose-cone 20 is finite. As the size of each of the antennas decreases, the power of the electromagnetic beam projected thereby also decreases.
- graph 36 illustrates design tradeoffs between number of antennas and detection range and/or spatial resolution.
- Graph 36 includes horizontal axis 38 , first and second vertical axes 40 A and 40 B, spatial-resolution/antenna-number relation 42 A, and detection-range/antenna-number relation 42 B.
- Horizontal axis 38 is indicative of the number of antennas distributed about a rotatable turret of a radar scanning system.
- First vertical axis 40 A is indicative of the spatial resolution of imagery generated by the radar scanning system.
- Spatial-resolution/antenna-number relation 42 A depicts the increasing spatial resolution in azimuth that can be obtained by increasing the number of antennas distributed about the rotatable turret.
- Second vertical axis 40 B is indicative of the detection range of imagery generated by the radar scanning system.
- Detection-range/antenna-number relation 42 B depicts the decreasing detection range that results from increasing the number of antennas distributed about the rotatable turret.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the rotating antenna concept not used in a missile application. The purpose of FIG. 4 is to highlight how a rotating multi-beam antenna system can be applied in other applications.
- a ground-based multi-beam antenna can be used for scanning an airspace field of view.
- radar scanning system 16 ′ includes antennas 18 A- 18 G radially distributed about rotatable turret 20 ′ of radar scanning system 16 ′.
- Radar scanning system 16 ′ includes rotator (e.g., a motor) 40 that rotates rotatable turret 20 ′ about rotational axis 22 ′.
- rotator e.g., a motor
- Each of antennas 18 A- 18 G is configured to direct a corresponding one of electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G outward from rotatable turret 20 ′.
- Each of antennas 18 A- 18 G is also configured to detect corresponding electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G reflected from objects that intersect their projected beam paths (i.e., system 16 is a monostatic radar system).
- Electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G are directed along principal directions that make azimuthal beam azimuthal beam angles ⁇ A - ⁇ G with rotational axis 22 ′, respectively.
- Each of azimuthal beam angles ⁇ A - ⁇ G corresponding to antennas 18 A- 18 G, respectively, is different from the other azimuthal beam angles ⁇ A - ⁇ G corresponding to others of antennas 18 A- 18 G, respectively.
- Each of antennas 18 A- 18 G has a fixed principal direction, respectively.
- antennas 18 A- 18 G sequentially direct electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G along principal directions that sweep conical FIGS. 26 A- 26 G about rotational axis 22 ′.
- Each of these sweeping conical FIGS. 26 A- 26 G intercept airspace field of view 12 ′ along a corresponding path so as to generate a 360° scan (along the roll axis) of airspace field of view 12 ′.
- the image processor can construct a two-dimensional image of 360° field of view 12 ′ based on electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G reflected thereby and sensed by antennas 18 A- 18 G, respectively.
- the image processor can be further configured to determine, based on the electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G reflected by objects in the airspace field of view 12 ′ and then received by antennas 18 A- 18 G, directions and/or ranges to objects within the airspace field of view 12 ′, such as, for example, target 14 ′.
- Directions to objects can be determined, based on which of electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G was directed toward the object.
- Range and velocity of objects can be determined based on an out-and-back time of flight and Doppler shift, respectively, measured for the particular electromagnetic beam 24 A- 24 G that was directed thereto.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for radar-scanning a field of view.
- radar scanning system 16 ′′ or rotatable turret 20 ′′ ground system includes controller 44 and rotatable turret 20 ′′.
- Rotatable turret 20 ′′ has antennas 18 A- 18 G mounted thereto.
- Each of antennas 18 A- 18 G is configured to direct electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G along principal directions that make azimuthal beam angles ⁇ A - ⁇ G with rotational axis 22 ′′, respectively.
- Controller 44 includes rotator 40 ′ that rotates rotatable turret 20 ′′ about rotational axis 22 ′′ so as to cause electromagnetic beams 24 A- 24 G to scan a conical figure of space.
- rotational axis 22 ′′ can be changed so as to change the space which the conical figures scan.
- controller 44 includes radar signal generator 46 , reflected signal detector 48 , sequencer 50 , image processor 52 , memory 54 , user interface 56 and positional data interface 58 .
- Image processor 52 in one example, is configured to implement functionality and/or process instructions for execution within radar scanning system 16 ′′.
- image processor 52 can be capable of receiving from and/or processing instructions stored in program memory 54 P.
- Image processor 52 can then execute program instructions so as to cause radar signal generator 46 to generate electromagnetic signals that will cause electromagnetic beams to be projected from antennas 18 A- 18 G.
- Sequencer 50 can coordinate activities of each of antennas 18 A- 18 G, thereby controlling the field of view that is scanned thereby.
- Electromagnetic signals reflected by objects in the field of view are detected by reflected signal detector 48 . These signals can be processed by signal processor 32 and/or stored in data memory 54 D, for example. Image processor 52 can generate a images of the field of view based on such signals generated by reflected signal detector 48 . Image processor 52 can also send control commands to the various other subsystems, such as, for example, radar signal generator 46 , reflected signal detector 48 , sequencer 50 .
- radar scanning system 16 ′′ can be realized using the elements illustrated in FIG. 5 or various other elements.
- image processor 52 can include any one or more of a microprocessor, a control circuit, a digital signal image processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry.
- DSP digital signal image processor
- ASIC application specific integrated circuit
- FPGA field-programmable gate array
- Memory 54 can be configured to store information within radar scanning system 16 ′′ during operation.
- Memory 54 in some examples, is described as computer-readable storage media.
- a computer-readable storage media can include a non-transitory medium.
- the term “non-transitory” can indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal.
- a non-transitory storage medium can store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in RAM or cache).
- memory 54 is a temporary memory, meaning that a primary purpose of memory 54 is not long-term storage.
- Memory 54 in some examples, is described as volatile memory, meaning that memory 54 does not maintain stored contents when power to radar scanning system 16 ′′ is turned off or interrupted.
- RAM random-access memories
- DRAM dynamic random-access memories
- SRAM static random-access memories
- memory 54 is used to store program instructions for execution by image processor 52 .
- Memory 54 in one example, is used by software or applications running on radar scanning system 16 ′′ (e.g., a software program implementing electrical control of radar signal generator 46 , reflected signal detector 48 , sequencer 50 , etc.) to temporarily store information during program execution, such as, for example, in data memory 54 D.
- memory 54 can also include one or more computer-readable storage media. Memory 54 can be configured to store larger amounts of information than volatile memory. Memory 54 can further be configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, memory 54 includes non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements can include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories.
- EPROM electrically programmable memories
- EEPROM electrically erasable and programmable
- User interface 56 can be used to communicate information between radar scanning system 16 ′′ and a user (e.g., an operator, a soldier, etc.).
- User interface 56 can include a communications module.
- User interface 56 can include various user input and output devices.
- User interface can include various displays, audible signal generators, as well switches, buttons, touch screens, mice, keyboards, etc.
- User interface 56 utilizes the communications module to communicate with external devices via one or more networks, such as one or more wireless or wired networks or both.
- the communications module can include a network interface card, such as an Ethernet card, an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, or any other type of device that can send and receive information.
- network interfaces can include Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi radio computing devices as well as Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices.
- Positional data interface 58 can be used to communicate information between radar scanning system 16 ′′ and a vehicle positioning system (e.g., a flight control system). Positional data interface 58 can include a communications module. Positional data interface 58 can receive positional information of radar scanning system 16 ′′, which can be used by image processor 52 to generate imagery of the field of view scanned by radar scanning system 16 ′′. In a missile application, for example, the positional coordinates and attitude can be received by image processor 52 via positional data interface 58 . Such positional data can then be used to control sequencer 50 so as to scan a desired field of view. Such positional data can also be used by image processor 52 so as to accurately map the objects that reflect the projected electromagnetic signals into the imagery generated.
- FIG. 6 is a graph depicting sequenced enablement of a plurality of antennas used to scan a field of view.
- graph 60 includes horizontal axis 62 , vertical axis 64 and antenna enablement signals EN A -EN H .
- Horizontal axis 62 is indicative of roll angle ⁇ of missile 10 (depicted in FIG. 1 ).
- Vertical axis 64 is indicative of enablement signals for a radar scanning system that has eight antennas distributed about nose-cone 20 of missile 10 , as indicated by subscript letters A-H.
- Enablement signals EN A -EN H indicate when each of antennas 18 A- 18 H of such an eight-antenna radar system are enabled.
- Each of antennas 18 A- 18 H is enabled when roll-oriented at an angle at which an initial boundary (e.g., a left-hand side boundary) of the field of view to be scanned is aligned with the electromagnetic beam projected thereby.
- Each of antennas 18 A- 18 H is then disabled when roll-oriented at an angle at which a final boundary (e.g., a right-hand side boundary) of the field of view to be scanned is aligned with the electromagnetic beam projected thereby.
- adjacent enablement signals EN A -EN H are such that as the preceding enablement signal EN X indicates the preceding antenna being disabled coincides with the subsequent enablement signal EN X+1 indicating that the subsequent antenna is being simultaneously enabled.
- the enablement signals can overlap, permitting two or more antennas simultaneously operating.
- Apparatus and associated methods relate to a system for radar-scanning a field of view.
- the system includes a signal generator, a plurality of antennas, and an image processor.
- the signal generator generates electromagnetic signals.
- the plurality of antennas is radially distributed about a rotatable turret.
- Each of the plurality of antennas is electrically connected to the signal generator so as to receive an electromagnetic signal that causes the antenna to direct an electromagnetic beam along a principal direction characterized by a rotational position ⁇ to which the antenna is rotated by the rotatable turret and an azimuthal beam angle ⁇ with respect to a rotational axis of the rotatable turret.
- the azimuthal beam angles of the plurality of antennas are different from one another.
- Each of the plurality of antennas senses a reflected portion of the electromagnetic beam reflected from objects within the field of view upon to which the electromagnetic beam has been directed.
- the principal directions sweep conical figures about the rotational axis. At least a portion of the conical figures intersect the field of view.
- the image processor determines, based on the reflected portions of the electromagnetic beams sensed by the plurality of antennas, directions and/or ranges to and/or velocities of the objects within the field of view.
- the system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- a further embodiment of the foregoing system can further include a sequencer that sequentially activates each of the plurality of antennas in sequence when the principal direction of the antenna is rotationally positioned so as to direct the electromagnetic beam toward the field of view.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can further include a sequencer that sequentially deactivates each of the plurality of antennas in sequence when the principal direction of the antenna is rotationally positioned so as to not direct the electromagnetic beam toward the field of view.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can further include a sequencer that sequentially activates each of the plurality of antennas when the antenna is at a first rotational position ⁇ 1 and deactivates each of the plurality of antennas when the antenna is at a second rotational position ⁇ 2 , wherein the first rotational position ⁇ 1 and the second rotational position ⁇ 2 determine boundaries of the field of view.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can further include a rotator that rotates the rotatable turret about the rotational axis.
- each of the plurality of antennas can be a patch antenna.
- each of the plurality of antennas can be a waveguide antenna.
- rotatable turret can be a nose-cone of a projectile or missile.
- Some embodiments relate to a system for radar-scanning a ground-surface field of view.
- the system includes a signal generator, a plurality of antennas and an image processor.
- the signal generator generates electromagnetic signals.
- the plurality of antennas are radially distributed about a nose-cone of a missile.
- Each of the plurality of antennas is electrically connected to the signal generator so as to receive an electromagnetic signal that causes the antenna to direct an electromagnetic beam along a principal direction characterized by a roll orientation ⁇ to which the antenna is rotated by the missile and an azimuthal beam angle ⁇ with respect to a roll axis of the missile.
- the azimuthal beam angles of the plurality of antennas are different from one another.
- Each of the plurality of antennas senses a reflected portion of the electromagnetic beam reflected from objects within the ground-surface field of view upon to which the electromagnetic beam has been directed.
- the principal directions sweep conical figures about the roll axis. At least a portion of the conical figures intersect the ground-surface field of view.
- the image processor determines, based on the reflected portions of the electromagnetic beams sensed by the plurality of antennas, directions and/or ranges to and/or velocities of the objects within the ground-surface field of view.
- the system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- a further embodiment of the foregoing system can further include a sequencer that sequentially activates each of the plurality of antennas in sequence when the principal direction of the antenna is rotationally positioned so as to direct the electromagnetic beam toward the field of view.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can further include a sequencer that sequentially deactivates each of the plurality of antennas in sequence when the principal direction of the antenna is rotationally positioned so as to not direct the electromagnetic beam toward the field of view.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can further include a sequencer that sequentially activates each of the plurality of antennas when the antenna is at a first rotational position ⁇ 1 and deactivates each of the plurality of antennas when the antenna is at a second rotational position ⁇ 2 , wherein the first rotational position ⁇ 1 and the second rotational position ⁇ 2 determine boundaries of the field of view.
- each of the plurality of antennas can be a patch antenna.
- each of the plurality of antennas can be a waveguide antenna.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can further include a nose-cone rotator that rotates the nose-cone about the roll axis.
- the method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- a further embodiment of the foregoing method for radar-scanning a field of view includes generating, via a signal generator, electromagnetic signals.
- the method includes receiving, via a plurality of antennas radially distributed about a rotatable turret, the electromagnetic signals generated by the signal generator.
- the method includes rotating the rotatable turret about a rotational axis.
- the method includes directing, via each of the plurality of antennas, an electromagnetic beam along a principal direction characterized by a rotational position ⁇ to which the antenna is rotated by the rotatable turret and an azimuthal beam angle ⁇ with respect to a rotational axis of the rotatable turret.
- the azimuthal beam angles of the plurality of antennas are different from one another.
- the principal directions sweep conical figures about the rotational axis. At least a portion of the conical figures intersect the field of view.
- the method includes sensing, via each of the plurality of antennas, a reflected portion of the electromagnetic beam reflected from objects within the field of view upon to which the electromagnetic beam has been directed.
- the method also includes determining, via an image processor and based on the reflected portions of the electromagnetic beams sensed by the plurality of antennas, directions and/or ranges to and/or velocities of the objects within the field of view.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods can further include sequentially activating, via a sequencer, each of the plurality of antennas in sequence when the principal direction of the antenna is rotationally positioned so as to direct the electromagnetic beam toward the field of view.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods can further include sequentially deactivating, via a sequencer, each of the plurality of antennas in sequence when the principal direction of the antenna is rotationally positioned so as to not direct the electromagnetic beam toward the field of view.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods can further include sequentially activating, via a sequencer, each of the plurality of antennas when the antenna is at a first rotational position ⁇ 1 , and sequentially deactivating, via the sequencer, each of the plurality of antennas when the antenna is at a second rotational position ⁇ 2 , wherein the first rotational position ⁇ 1 and the second rotational position ⁇ 2 determine boundaries of the field of view.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods can further include rotating, via a rotator, the rotatable turret about the rotational axis.
Abstract
Description
G=(4πAε)/λ2. (1)
Here in Eqn. (1), ε is antenna efficiency, G is antenna gain, and λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation). According to Eqn. (1), if antenna aperture is reduced, the antenna gain G will also be reduced. Reduced antenna gain G will adversely impact the detection range of the radar system. This reduction in detection range is illustrated by the radar range equation which describes the minimum detectable range for a radar system, Eqn. (2):
R min=[(P s G 2λ2σ)/(P min(4π)3)]1/4. (2)
Here, Ps is the RF emitter source power, σ is the radar cross section of the target and Pmin is the minimum detection power). From the radar range equation (Eqn. (2)) as antenna gain G falls so does the minimum detection range Rmin. Therefore, choosing the number of antennas n for such a radar system architecture requires careful consideration based on applications and needs as there is a tradeoff between azimuthal scan resolution and the maximum detection range of such radar systems.
Claims (19)
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US17/339,845 US11923604B2 (en) | 2021-06-04 | 2021-06-04 | Rotating multi-beam antenna |
EP22839585.1A EP4348767A2 (en) | 2021-06-04 | 2022-06-03 | Rotating multi-beam antenna |
PCT/US2022/072761 WO2023015061A2 (en) | 2021-06-04 | 2022-06-03 | Rotating multi-beam antenna |
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US17/339,845 US11923604B2 (en) | 2021-06-04 | 2021-06-04 | Rotating multi-beam antenna |
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US20220393340A1 US20220393340A1 (en) | 2022-12-08 |
US11923604B2 true US11923604B2 (en) | 2024-03-05 |
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Citations (6)
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US3699574A (en) | 1969-10-16 | 1972-10-17 | Us Navy | Scanned cylindrical array monopulse antenna |
US3806932A (en) * | 1972-06-15 | 1974-04-23 | Nat Aeronautic And Space Admin | Amplitude steered array |
US3903523A (en) | 1949-08-19 | 1975-09-02 | Philco Ford Corp | Microwave antennas and arrays thereof |
US6307514B1 (en) * | 2000-05-01 | 2001-10-23 | Rockwell Collins | Method and system for guiding an artillery shell |
US20170153325A1 (en) * | 2015-11-27 | 2017-06-01 | Bradar Industria S.A. | System and method for detecting and visualizing targets by airborne radar |
US20180123229A1 (en) | 2016-11-03 | 2018-05-03 | Raytheon Company | Systems and Techniques for Radome-Antenna Configuration |
-
2021
- 2021-06-04 US US17/339,845 patent/US11923604B2/en active Active
-
2022
- 2022-06-03 EP EP22839585.1A patent/EP4348767A2/en active Pending
- 2022-06-03 WO PCT/US2022/072761 patent/WO2023015061A2/en active Application Filing
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US3903523A (en) | 1949-08-19 | 1975-09-02 | Philco Ford Corp | Microwave antennas and arrays thereof |
US3699574A (en) | 1969-10-16 | 1972-10-17 | Us Navy | Scanned cylindrical array monopulse antenna |
US3806932A (en) * | 1972-06-15 | 1974-04-23 | Nat Aeronautic And Space Admin | Amplitude steered array |
US6307514B1 (en) * | 2000-05-01 | 2001-10-23 | Rockwell Collins | Method and system for guiding an artillery shell |
US20170153325A1 (en) * | 2015-11-27 | 2017-06-01 | Bradar Industria S.A. | System and method for detecting and visualizing targets by airborne radar |
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International Search Report and English Translation of Box V of the Written Opinion dated Apr. 12, 2023, received fir corresponding PCT Application No. PCT/US2022/072761, pp. 16, dated Jun. 3, 2022. |
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WO2023015061A2 (en) | 2023-02-09 |
US20220393340A1 (en) | 2022-12-08 |
WO2023015061A3 (en) | 2023-05-11 |
EP4348767A2 (en) | 2024-04-10 |
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